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Rodin could feel it, just for that moment. When the Demon King was so busy parrying from what he could see in front of him, the half-elf was able to slip past his field of vision and slashed his side with his glaive. A shallow cut all in the grand scheme of things, but he drew blood. It was his one act as a warrior and his final act of defiance against the encroaching end. As expected, the Demon King set his sights on the half elf and with just a command dark crystalized aura travelled down his weapon and creeped onto his arms. He was left frozen in place, stuck in the position of when he drew the one drop of blood against the demon king.

The monster reveled in mocking him, tears trailed down his face as he knew he failed both to save both heritages. No, he failed everyone. He failed his family, his friends, and every humble villager that had nothing to do with these conflicts but were pulled into them due to this bastard's desire from destruction. He failed everyone. 

The sensation of cold steel was replaced by the splash of warmth trailed down his chest and stomach. Rodin's grip on his broken weapon loosened and dropped the two broken halves onto the ground. He stumbled back, his body's strength struggling to keep him standing upright. His vision was hazy, but he saw it, he saw Vincent earn his drop of blood from the demon king. If he had the strength to cry out to his cousin, he would've, but the only thing that he could muster was the blood he coughed up before his knees buckled.

Rodin collapsed onto his back; his lackluster gaze focused on the demon king's rage. He could only bitterly chuckle a bloody, gurgled chuckle that the only thing he could only amount to was to wound him. However, the patriarch stood in front of them and for the first time in his life he met eyes with the man and were not filled with contempt. 

[i][color=ed1c24]I am a Kaides...[/color][/i] His focus shifted away the red, smokey sky above and he laughed, strained from choking on his own blood. [i][color=ed1c24]I wasted so much of my life for what? Petty excuses?[/color][/i] His gaze returned to the patriarch of his family and watched in his dying moments the two of them clash in a way that defied all sense of reason. [color=ed1c24][i]I could've been like that too... Rodin you useless fool.[/i][/color]

Rodin closed his eyes, feeling his final sleep call upon him. he had one more thought. It was stupid given the moment, but he could not help but to think about that function all those years ago when he saw her across the ballroom. One last regret, but a bittersweet what if. [i][color=ed1c24]I wonder what my first words to her would've been.[/color][/i]

Then white. Was he finally dead? He could see his kin stretched out as far as the eye could see. Were they dead too? His gaze focused on Martenos locked in together in death before the old man turned his gaze to all of them and... dissipated along with the demon king? The half-elf wasn't sure what was happening. A piece of auric light pierced him and...

[hr]

Rodin's eyes fluttered open.

It was so warm, so soft. When was the last time he slept in bed this comfortable and why did it feel so familiar? His mind was in a sleepy fog as he slowly sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. As his vision became more focused, his eyes widened immediately as soon as he was aware of his surroundings. This was not the encampment in Hadrum he slept in with the other draftees. 

[color=ed1c24]"This is my room."[/color] Rodin said in disbelief. There was no mistaking it. How could he? It was home though this should not have been possible. [color=ed1c24]"I died, I know I did. I'm supposed to be dead. The demon king-"[/color] He lifted his nightshirt only to see that there was no scarring or in fact any evidence that the demon king had exposed the half-elf's entrails for the world to see. Actually... was it just him or did he seem weaker than before, physically speaking. 

Where were his abs, or any of his muscles for that matter? Rodin kicked off the rest of the sheets and stumbled off the bed, running to the mirror that hung on the wall to get a better look of himself. What his reflection showed him was the face of a teenager of about sixteen years of age. [color=ed1c24]"I'm younger... What the hell?"[/color] His fingers trailed along his face, pinching and poking to see if he was just dreaming. He most certainly wasn't. 

A loud knock from the door caused Rodin to jump. [b]"Young master, are you awake? May I enter?"[/b]

Young master? How many years has it been since anyone has called him that? 

[color=ed1c24]"Uh, yes. You may enter!"[/color] He called out. The door opened to reveal a very familiar face that he had long thought dead, Helga, his old servant. A friendly, rotund old woman that was rough around the edges, but very good at her job. 

She gave her young master a polite smile. [b]"Up and early I see. Good to see you're up at it! I was figuring you'd be still asleep on this special day."[/b] Rodin had not responded as he just stood there in total stunned silence. Concern flashed across Helga's face, and she asked, [b]"Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost. Are you well?"[/b]

[color=ed1c24][i]Saw a ghost? That may as well be the case.[/i][/color] The last time he saw her was before he dropped out of the Collegem. She gave him a basket full of his favorite foods as a parting gift. There was no doubt that she had perished in the war against the demons, probably among the first. God he missed her.

Rodin shook his head and smiled as reassuringly as he could. [color=ed1c24]"No, no. I'm fine. I just had a bad dream is all."[/color] A dream? There was not a chance that was a dream. He did not dream the last ten years of his life up until his dying moments. [color=ed1c24]"Um, anyway. What's so special about today anyway?"[/color]

He received a scowl from the old woman. [b]"How could you forget? It's orientation day! Young master, are you sure that you are not unwell?"[/b] 

[color=ed1c24]"I'm fine, truly! Just, can we just move on from this and get a start with my day, please?"[/color]

Helga looked at him with a knowing look that something was up, but she just didn't know what. Very little could get past that old woman, but she was also his employee. [b]"Very well. I have a bath drawn for you. Maybe that will put some life back into you."[/b]

A warm bath, now that was a luxury. Rodin smiled at her fondly. [color=ed1c24]"Yes, a bath sounds lovely right now."[/color]

He was not exactly sure what happened. His mind was a swirling mess at the moment, but if nothing else he was glad to be alive.